‹ Back to the World airgun law map
Airgun law · World
Are Airguns Legal in United Arab Emirates?
Yes, but heavily regulated.
Legal in principle, yet the compliance burden is high — often firearm-grade steps for the airguns most people actually want.
Tier 2 — Major Restrictions
Full firearms-licence regime for the airguns most enthusiasts would actually buy.
AE
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive United Arab Emirates is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationUnclear
Age ruleAdult / unspecified
PossessionVariable
Transfer / saleLicensed dealer process
TransportCased
AuthorityNational statute
The rules in detail
Classification
Unclear
Federal Law No. 3 of 2009 (updated 2019) explicitly includes air guns in 'weapon' definition (distinct from 'firearms' but subject to licensing).
Age rule
Adult / unspecified
Adult; UAE nationals primarily eligible.
Possession
Variable
Licensing required.
Transfer / sale
Licensed dealer process
Through licensed dealers.
Transport
Cased
Cased.
Authority
National statute
National statute.
Import & travel
Local & import notes
Visitor / transit
Importing any weapon (including replicas) without prior licensing triggers criminal prosecution. Dubai is, however, a recommended airgun-friendly TRANSIT hub when bags are interlined and not collected.
Keep exploring
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.